Weatherbury Farm Grain Tracker
From Planting to Harvest, Merlot Small Red Beans in the field:
Planting Merlot Small Red Beans at Weatherbury Farm.
After the field has been plowed and harrowed, the beans are planted. A harrow in front of the planter smooths the ground to provide the best possible seed bed.
The field of Merlot Beans 6 1/2 weeks after planting.
Close-up of Merlot Small Red Beans in bloom.
Three weeks later, you can see that the Merlot Small Red blooms have grown into beans.
The Merlot Small Red Beans show some signs of drying down.
As the beans have dried down, the farmers decided to direct combine them this year rather that swathing them.
The crop lifters on the combine allow us to harvest the maximum amount of beans possible.
After harvesting the Navy Beans, the farmers cleaned out the combine in the field (rather than bringing it back to the farm), then brought the Small Red Merlot Beans back to the farm in the combine where they were unloaded into a peanut wagon. The aerated bottom of the peanut wagon will help the beans to dry completely.
As with all the grains we grow, the carbon footprint of our products is tiny because we grow the beans locally on land we farm (as opposed to purchasing them from the upper midwest as is more common). Our beans travelled two miles from the field were they were grown to our farm where they will be dried and cleaned.
Merlot Small Red Beans Facts 2022
Merlot Small Red Bean Field 2022
In 2022, Merlot Small Red Beans were grown in Independence Township on the farm established by Robert Leggett in 1815. Leggett had holdings totally 585 acres in the area and raised 1000 sheep. In addition to being a farmer, he was a breeder and dealer of 1st class Spanish sheep (Merino). Today the farm still raises sheep. Weatherbury Farm transitioned this land from conventional in 2013 and it was certified organic in 2015.
The beans were planted on one field totaling 1.9 acres on June 25, 2022 .
Clover was frost seeded into the wheat on March 5, 2022. (The clover suppresses weeds, aids in holding up the grain, increases soil organic matter, and eventually provides nitrogen to the next crop.)
The Merlot Small Red Beans were harvested on November 9, 2022.
For an illustrated explanation of how Weatherbury’s beans are planted, harvested and cleaned, visit the from seed to flour page.
About Merlot Small Red Beans
Merlot Small Red Beans are a new growing adventure for Weatherbury Farm for 2020. The beans are said to have a slightly sweet, somewhat nutty flavor. Not a commonly eaten bean in the U.S. (yet!) – they are the go-to bean for Nicaraguans (red beans and rice, anyone?).
Products from Merlot Small Red Beans
Merlot Small Red Beans are cleaned and offered as dry beans. For best results, beans should be soaked overnight before cooking to achieve optimum texture and flavor. With their rich full flavor, merlot red beans are suited for everything from chili to Latin cuisine.
Health benefits of Beans
Red beans are an excellent source of dietary fiber and a low-fat source of protein. Both protein and fiber can help you stay fuller longer as well as decreasing your risk of many chronic diseases. Red beans are a good source of phosphorus and iron. They also contain three minerals key to controlling blood pressure — potassium ,calcium, and magnesium. Red beans also contain phytonutrients which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
More Information
Merlot Small Red Beans can be ordered either for our monthly on-farm pickup or you can have your order sent to you.
To read more about Merlot Small Red beans, please visit our products page.
More information on Merlot Small Red Beans and the other beans and grains grown at Weatherbury Farm are on the grains we grow page.